Gold Coast SUNS forward Brandon Matera has progressed well as he overcomes a niggling groin injury, with the clever forward edging closer to making his return to competitive football.

The 22-year-old fan favourite has been sidelined since round 15 after aggravating a lingering adductor complaint.

To manage the injury he was placed on modified training and monitored closely by the club’s medical staff, before commencing a graduated running program.

GC SUNS High Performance Manager, Stephen Schwerdt, updated goldcoastfc.com.au on Matera’s troublesome groin in this week’s round 18 Injury Report.

“Brandon has had some problems with his groin and that has been on and off this season,” Schwerdt said.

“His training was pretty light early in his rehab, (but) is now doing some strong running and hopefully can upgrade to some football contact next week.”

Kade Kolodjashnij is in doubt for Saturday’s QClash match-up against the Brisbane Lions, with the NAB AFL Rising Star contender still to overcome a hamstring strain suffered in the side’s 28-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in Cairns.

“We probably thought it was worse at the time, but we’ve been surprised at how well it has come up,” Schwerdt said.

“He has been running pretty strong in the last week, and should be back in the next week or two, which is good news for him.”

Likewise, Trent McKenzie is set to benefit from another week on the sidelines, with the rebounding half-back also nursing a hamstring complaint of his own.

The inaugural Gold Coast player has never battled a soft tissue in his four-year career, but has progressed well through his rehab program.

“Trent is at a similar stage in his rehab program; he has never had a soft tissue injury of his own, so it’s a new experience for him,” Schwerdt said.

“But that is part of playing AFL footy, getting those injuries from time to time.

“So he’s had to learn to deal with that, but he could be back for selection next week.”